Zendaya’s return inEuphoriaseason 3 must resolve this longstanding issue with her self-destructive and dysfunctional lead protagonist, Rue Bennett. AlthoughEuphoriaseason 2 was released in early 2022, the highly anticipated third season of the provocative HBO teen drama series is still in development with an expected release date of early to mid-2026. Nearly all the keycast members ofEuphoriaseason 2will be returning for season 3, including Zendaya’s Rue,Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie, Jacob Elordi’s Nate, Hunter Schafer’s Jules, Alexa Demie’s Maddy, and Maude Apatow’s Lexi.
Euphoriaseason 3is expected to have a time jump that similarly reflects the roughly 4-year difference between seasons 2 and 3. Since the series premiered in 2019, several ofEuphoria’scast members have gone on to become major movie stars. Sweeney starred in the hit rom-com Anyone But You, the religious horror Immaculate, and the Apple thriller Echo Valley, while Elordi has played Elvis inPriscilla, Felix inSaltburn, and is set to star in upcoming remakes ofFrankensteinandWuthering Heights.Zendaya plays Chani in theDuneblockbuster and starred in the steamy sports dramaChallengers, showing maturity and range in her recent roles.
Zendaya’s Rue Bennett Needs To Get Sober In Euphoria Season 3
It’s The Best Decision For Rue’s Character Arc & For Zendaya As An Elite Actress
A key and tragic element of Rue’s story inEuphoriaseasons 1 and 2 is that she struggles with drug addiction and depression. While it would be irrational for Rue to suddenly appear completely sober inEuphoriaseason 3,it would be incredibly disappointing for viewers to see Rue still struggling with addiction, especially considering the multi-year time jump that is expected to take place between seasons 2 and 3. If Rue were truly still on drugs after the multi-year time jump, she would likely be a much different person and an irredeemably tragic figure, which would put a massive damper onEuphoriaseason 3.
Euphoriaas a series has offered gruesomely authentic portrayals of teen addiction and withdrawal symptoms, which sets it up perfectly to now paint a realistic portrayal of recovery for Rue’s character. This character development wouldn’t necessarily be about setting a better example for viewers, but rather a natural progression of Rue’s journey and a new way for audiences to enjoy her character. Not only does Rue owe it to herself to maintain sobriety, butviewers deserve to see a more refined and measured version of Rue, which I would find much more compelling than another season-long display of struggle and relapse.
Rue’s Maturity & Character Development Is The Most Crucial Factor In Euphoria Season 3
Watching Rue Continue To Struggle Throughout Season 3 Does Not Sound New Or Compelling
Zendaya has come a long way from starring inEuphoriaseason 1, in a role that was considered controversial for her at the time. IfEuphoriaseason 3 is going to be the last installment of the HBO series, which is rumored but not confirmed to be, thenwe really need to see Rue in a different lens outside of being a drug addict. Sydney Sweeney has already hinted that Cassie is about to get even more unhinged in season 3, which makes sense given her multiple meltdowns in season 2. What would make the most sense for Rue is to finally arrive on the other side of her troubles, unless Creator Sam Levinson wants to end season 3 on a dire note.
Zendaya is one of the biggest movie stars on the planet and has simply outgrown playing the drug-addled Rue inEuphoria, which calls for a more refined version of her character.
This has nothing to do with Zendaya setting a good example for her fans, becauseEuphoriahas and will always be a hyperbolic and fictional TV show, even though it has a sharp ability to appeal to younger generations. Rue maturing andovercoming her addiction is the best possible development for her character arc.
By the timeEuphoriaseason 3 comes out, it will join a slate of Zendaya’s major movie releases that includesChristopher Nolan’sThe Odyssey, Denis Villeneuve’sDune: Messiah,Spider-Man: Brand New Day, andShrek 5. Zendaya is one of the biggest movie stars on the planet and has simply outgrown playing the drug-addled Rue inEuphoria, which calls for a more refined version of her character.
